Heppner times. (Heppner, Or.) 1???-1912, May 19, 1904, Image 6

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Heppner times., May 19, 1904, Image 6

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Newspaper Page TextTHE HEPPHER TIMES PntaUbed Bvery Thernda.' HEPPNKR OREGON EVENTS OF THE DAY Cotnprehcaaive Review ol the Import ant Happenings of the Past Week, Presented la Condensed Form, Most Jkckr to Prove Interesting. LIKELY TO BB OWN SUCCESSOR. DEFEATS AGITATE Race I Japanese troops continue to land at Pitsewo. French confidence in Russian success is diminishing. Japanese correspondents charge the Russians with mutilating the dead. St. Petersburg authorities are certain three Japanese iorcea are marching on Liao Yang. Russia has been officially adviBed that Chinese have commenced hostili ties against her. Congressman Hermann has asked engineers to provide a dredge for small Oregon harbors. There are persistent rumors of fight ing near Liao Yang, which it is impos sible to confirm officially. A Russian naval officer with three sailors launched a torpedo against a Japanese cruiser in Talienwan bay, in juring her badly. While the railroad to Port Arthur was reopened the Russians succeeded in getting in a train load of ammu nition and supplies. Miss Clara Barton has resigned the presidency of the American Red Cross society. She will be succeeded by the vice president, Mrs. John A. Logan. General Kuropatkin reports several small skirmishes. Japan is rushing men to Kuroki and he will probably delay the advance on Lioa Yang untii they arrive. Irriagtion experts1 are coming to Ore tn determine the feasibility of building reservoirs in Umatilla ccunty. Hvde and Dimond have been in itiated hv the federal grand jury for land frauds and placed under heavy bonds. President Roosevelt has issued a pro clamation for entry of the Rosebtid, . South Dakota, Indian reservation lands. It will be thrown open August 8. A Japanese torpedo boat was Bunk while trying to blow up a mine at Kerr bay. Seven men were killed and seven wounded. This is'the first war vessel Japan has lost in the war. A Minnesota couple has found a novel way of complying with the law. The groom was only 20 years ol age and being an orphan without a guar dian, was unable to obtain a marriage license. Ihe young lady, though near ly two years younger, was still over 18 and of lawful age to get married She formally and legally adopted her affianced and then, as his guardian, gave her consent for the necessary doc nmenC. The license was obtained the they were married. General Kuroki is rapidly moving on Liao Yang. Russia denies that she will float a second loan in Germany. General Wood has sent a foice to nunish the Moros who slayed the Ame.ican soldiers. Great Britain has sent a wsrship to a port near Niu Chwang in case it needed at that place. Russia is clearnig the Port Arthur channel by blowing up the stone landen ships sunk by the Japanese. Japan declares the train her troops fired on did not show the Red Cross flag until after the Russians on board" had opened fire and the Japanese answered it. A former New York policeman, now serving a sentence in the penitentiary for takinir money from police candi dates, savs all positions in the fire and police departments were bought by the applicants. Fire In Portland destroyed the plants of the Multnomah Trunk & Box com pany. the Ira F. Powers Furniture com pany and the Day Lumber company valued at 1335.000. Insurance" car ried on the three plants was $106,000. In battle at Karola the British killed 200 Thibetans. The government funds for the Lewis and Clark aur are now available. The Russians have re-established rail way and telegraph communication with Port Arthur. Senator Mitchell has been asked to ime a successor to Postmaster Ban croft, at Portland. Ernest Hooley, famous as a pro moter, has been arrested in London on a charge of conspiracy to defraud. A Russian general took over a half million dollars of Red Cross money and lost it gambling. The dowagei empress made good the sum to the so ciety. Cotton has been declared a contra band of war on account of its being nsed in the manufacture of high ex plosives. Russian authorities at Niu Chwang for a time refused to allow United States Consul Miller to cable the con ditions there to Minister Conger at Pekin. A strongly worded protest se cured the transmission of the message Rossi is rapidly evacuating Nin Cawtof. Brady Appears te Have Best of tor Governor ol Alaaka. Washington, May 17. Governor John G. Brady, of Alaska, whose term expires June 6, will probably be ap pointed to succeed himself. When in Washington recently, he talked over the situation with the president and his prompt departure, coupled with the remarks he made to eeverl friends, leads to the conclusion that he is satis fied he will have another term of office. Secretary Hitchcock, it is understood, is not well satisfied with Brady, but as the president is personally interested in the governor and believes him hon est, as well as competent, the secre tary will raise no objection. Several men are in the field against Brady, in cluding National Committeeman John G. Heid, of Juneau; William T. Perk ins, auditor of the Northwestern Com mercial company and the company's agent at Nome, and Oliver Roberts, of San Francisco. Heid is supposed to have a number of congressional indorse ments, including Senator Mitchell. Perk in 8 has the indorsement of several senators who visited Alaska last sum mer, and Roberts is backed by mem bers of the California delegation. These men all have applications on file. INTERNAL SITUATION IN RUSSIA IS BECOMINQ SERIOUS. WA1!MIH)N BILLS TO WIN. NOT TIME FOR PEACE TALK. Qcrmany Thinks the Emperor Must Re- Establish Mis Prestige. Berlin, May 17. Nothing is known at the foreign office regarding the report telegraphed from Berlin that there is a strong probability of peace through the war party urging the szar to end the trouble. It is pointed out in serious political circles, knowing the view of the foreign office, that the time is not vet ripe for peace efforts. The German government is aware that strong cur rents in France and Great Britain are working for peace, and that even politi cal influences in Russia are moving in the same direction. It is admitted here that these efforts would be mater ially strengthened if the Russians suc ceeded in checking the Japanese ad vance at Mukden. However, Russia cannot be satisfied with a nieie negative result of the mili tary operations. The government of Emperor Nicholas feels the necessity for re-establishing its prestige, and only after several deecisive victories for the Russian arms could the Russian emperor entertain proposals for mediation. The Masses are Inclined to Believe Them Due to Organisation of Country and Hope New Constitution Will Be Orantcd-War Party Willing to Make Concessions to End Strife. Rome, May 18. A secret report re ceived from St. Petersburg depicts the internal situation of Russia as becom ing most serious as regards the preser vation of the present institutions, the military failures in the Far East hav ing strengthened the opinion that the evils are due to the present organisa tion of the country in which a change is necessary. , The hope is expressed that the em peror himself, seeing the danger, will be induced to grant the country a con stitution in which even the enthusiasm of the people will, become so great as or to render It possible to raise an army bills; four passed the senate, but failed and collect the means necessary to de-1 in the house ; six were favoraably re feat Japan. Otherwise, the report ported to the senate, but did not pass, says, it is believed all the efforts made and the others were never even report at St. Petersburg will remain futile, as ed by committees, besides the war in the Far East, Rus-1 The bills that finally passed author sia will be obliged to face a latent, if ise the sale of Puyallup allotted lands; not an open revolutionary movement at grant lands to Port Angeles (or use as a home, depriving her of the assistance public park ; allow vessels of less than of the most progressive elements of the , 30 tons' burden to engage in trade be- ollcy ot Leaders for Economy Dims troui to Many. Washington, May 14. The record of the Washington delegation tor the session just closed does not compare very favorably with that of the delega tion from Oregon, nevertheless, the failure ot the men trom Washington Is largely attributable to the fact that the leaders in congress used every means within their power to hold down appropriations, and to prevent the pas sage of all but necessary legislation. Washington has no Lewis and Clark bill, but loyally supported tlie wen from Oregon in their efforts to secure the passage 61 their bill. There was ne way in which Oregon could recipro cate, so Washington had to take the responsibility for local legislation al together on its own shoulders, with the result set forth below. During the session just closed Sena tor roster introduced 20 public- bills, most ot them of local importance to the state ot Washington. Out ot that number, five were passed by both houses, either as independent measures, amendments to appropriation ON TO HAICHENQ JAPANESE ARB PUZZLINQ ADVER SARIES BY RAPID MOVES. Investment ef Niu Chwang Will Follow In Short Order Kuroki, Besides Working In Manchuria, Is Keeping In Mind the Necessity of Outflanking Kouropatkla at Liao Yang. TO BB BNUINEIiR. empire, such as the Foles and Finns. INVEST THE CITY. Urges Czar to End It. Beilin, May 16. It is rumored in diplomatic circles here that there is a strong possibility of an attempt being made to end the war in the Far East soon. The rumor, which is circum stantial in character, declares the war party in Russia has urged the czar to end the war. The alleged basis of settlement is to be the independence of Cores under the protectorate of Japan, while Manchuria is to remain Chinese territory. In a secret treaty between China and Japan, the integrity of Manchuria was guaran teed by the latter, so it is argued that Japan should not object to the propo sition. Russia, it is said, wishes to come to an understanding witfc Japan independently of England. OREAT VEIN OF COPPER. Dalny Has Fallen Into the Hands ef the Japanese. Chicago, May 17. A special to the Daily News from Chefoo says: When the Daily News dispatch boat Fawan arrived off Dalny early this morning a heavy bombardment was in progress. As the channel was thickly mined by the Russians, and Japanese Admiral Kattakao had issued strict orders that noncombatants' boats were to be ex cluded, it was impossible to get within the roadstead. Hence an accurate re port of the proceedings is impossible. As far as it was possible to asceitain the armored cruiser Yakumo, four other cruisers, one gunboat and one battle ship, having cleared the channel, en tered the harbor shortly after daylight and began a heavy fire. The land bat teries were silenced. - It is estimated that 20,000 Japanese troops are investing the town and there is every leason to believe that they are now in possession of the city. Lockjaw Creek. Montana, May Aston. Uh the World. Missoula, May 16. Word frcm Lolo Hot Springs, which has just reached this city, tells of a big strike of copper ore made by Joseph Eberly and part ner, prospectors in the employ of ex- Governor McConnell, of Idaho. The scene of the rich discovery is in the Lockjaw creek section, the men having been encamped on the Lockjaw stream for some time. The account of the rind as related by the men is a wondrous one, the mam moth copper lead uncovered bidding fair to make a second "Butte in that sec tion. According to the story of the prospectors the ore found is of a high grade sulphide character, in appar ently unlimited quantities and easy of access. From trenches run along the surface it is believed the Lockjaw coun try is traversed by a number of cuprous leads, all ol wlncn it is thought carry enough of (he red metal to make its ex traction profitable. tween Puget sound and the islands of British Columbia; made appropriation tor the new Dungeness lighthouse sta tion, and validate sales ot right-of-way lands, made by the Northern Pacific. SOON SHBLL IT. Japanese are Preparing to Attack Port Arthur by Land. Shan Hai Kwan, May 14. Accord' ing to reports brought here by Chinese runners, the investment of Port Arthur, from the land side, is well under way. The entire second army under General Oku is taking a position across the pen insula, and Is bringing heavy siege guns into position to shell the defenses of the town. While it is thought that the Rus siana will make a stubborn resistance, the Japanese are declared to be conn dent of their ability to reduce the town, General Kuroki'a forces, who are op- erating from fang Wang Cheng, are about ready to move against Liao Yang A detachment which is said to be nu merically strong, ami to be equipped with plenty of artillery, is now march ing on Saimathi with the object of out flanking General Kuropatkin's forces, who are holding Liao Yang. All Well at Vladivostok. St. Petersburg, May 17. The admi ralty denies the rumored engagement of Rear Admiral Jessen s squadron. A te lee ram from v ladivostok this morn ing reports all well there. Grand Duke Alexis, the high admi ral, has been at Cronstadt since yester day with Vice Admiral Rojestvensky, the commander of the Baltic fleet, and Vice Admiral Allevan, the chief of the admiraltv. inspecting the new Pacifk squadron. The admiralty admits having re ceived a message from Port Arthur sev eral days old, in which Rear Admiral Wittsoeft reported everything was as well as could be expected. There is no further information regarding Japanese activity around Port Arthur. Deems American Treaty Bad. New York, May 17. Speaking to Ihe agrarians in the upper house of the Prussian diet, Professor Sehmoeler has expressed the wish, rabies the Berlin correspondent of the Times, that Chan cellor Van Bulow would dissolve the commercial treaty with the United States. He urged consideration of the matter, but no action until after the American elections. Professor Schmoe ler said he was opposed to the disolu tion ol the Argentine republic treaty because that country would be driven into the arms of the United States. Ozaba's Army doing to Port Arthur. Paris, May 17. The correspondent in St. Petersburg -if the Echo de Paris, gives a high staff officer's lesumeof the stiuation in the Far Last as follows "The Japanese are advancing towards the Russian positions along three routes. Kuroki'i army is matching upon Liao Yang from Feng Wang Cheng, Oka's force has left Bagtichu for YinVow, following the Siuyen road and Oazba'i army is investing Port Ar thur." Arbitration Results In Higher Scale. New York, May 17. Arbitration has settled the wage scale of 7,000 union painters here, and the the agreement has been signed. It grants an advance ot 60 cents a day, making the scale 14 and 4-26 for plain painters and deco rators respectively. Blow Up Dalney. St. Petersburg, May 14. Viceroy Alexiett has telegraphed to the czar announcing that the Russians have blown up the docks and piers st Port Dalney, Liao Tung peninsula, presuma bly to render more difficult a Japanese landing at thnt point. Later telegrams received indicate that the whole of Port Dalney has been de' alloyed by the Russians. OUQHT TO HAVE BEEN HELD. St. Petersburg, May 13. Impending events of great importance to the mili tary situation in Manchuria are tote shadowed in official dispatches given out lute Inst night by the war commis sion. J On May 8 the Jupunese forces cautiously moved trom Feng Wang Cheng toward Ilaicheng, which is 32 miles enst by north ot Niu Chwang, and it is the opinion ot the general tuft that they should certainly reach their destination within two days. It the Japanese occupy Haicheng with Port Arthur effectively cut off, Niu Chwang would pass into their hands. The entire Liao Tung peninsula, in fact, save Port Arthur and perhaps Halplng, would be commanded by them. . The troops sent by General Kuroki to the southwest ot Feng Wang Cheng, which troops, it established, do not be- ong to a third army, none having anded at Tnkushan, ciossed the Tay- aug river May 7, and should by this time be operating in the Liao Tung peninsula, provided they continued, as is regarded probable, the plan to com plete the mastery of Southern Man churia. Besides acting energetically in South ern Manchuria and moving on Ilai cheng, General Kuroki kept in mind the necessity of outflanking General Kuropatkin at Liao Yang, as is shown n the fact that on the morning of Mav 10 he started a formidable force, con slating of a division of infantry and 40 guns and 1,500 cavalry, toward Salm atsi. In view of General Kuropatkin's statement that an examination May 10 of the line between Saimatai and Feng Wang Cheng failed to show the pres ence of Japanese, the authorltls are puzzled as to where the Japanese force came from. A Japanese detachment Is reported officially to have occupied Kwangtien sien on May 6, but it is believed likely to be a small scouting party belonging to General Kuroki s army. BONDS ARB FREE FROM TAXES. Russian Issue for $160,000,000 Will Bs Redeemed In 1909. Paris, May 14. Following the re turn of M. Hoettinguer from St. Peters burg, a semi-omciai statement was made today of the final conditions of the Kussian loan, ihe total issue will be (160,000,006, in 6 per cent treasury bonds Of $100 each, ledeem able in May, ltfUH, with interest pay able in May and November, annually, and the first interest to be next Novem ber. The bonds have the exceptional advantage of being exempt from pres ent or future taxes. Holders are also given advantages when the period of conversion or consolidation arrives dur ing the six months preceding May 1, 1U09. Balloon Starts a Fire. Paris, May 16. A baloon belonging to the well-known aeronaut, Captain Surcouf, came down in the Mace d'Aumiiitz this afternoon, and the wind drove it into the narrow entrance ot a street. A moment later it came in con tact with the side of a house. Flames issued from the envelope, and a violent explosion followed, the sheets of flame from which penetrated the open win dows of the building. Eight occupants ot the house were burned or otherwise injured, two dangerously. Jhe aero naut was not hurt. Russians Clearing ChanneL New York, May 16. An explanation of the explosions heard at Port Arthur, which led to reports that the Russians were destroying their warships in that harbor, is to the effect that the garri son at Port Arthur is endeavoring to ciear the harbor entrance of the stone' laden ships sent in by the Japanese. In order to remove the obstructions, divers have placed charges of dynamite in position and succeeded enough to ad mit the passaie of torpedo boats. - Telegraph Line Is Repaired. London, May 16. A dispatch to the Central News from Seoul, Cores, in re porting the Anju fight, adds that the broken telegraph line has now been re paired. General Haraguchl, hereto fore commanding the Japanese troops in the Seoul district, assumed command of all the Japanese troops south ot the Yelu river. Russian Position at Feng Wang Cheng Deemed Impregnable. London, May 13. The correspondent of the Times, cabling trom v iju, says The Russian position at Feng Wang Cheng, if properly held, ought to have been impregnable, even with the sacri fice of 10,000 men. Judging from their disheveled ap pearance, the Russians must have been in the trenches for several days. The Japanese are showing the great' est kindness to the wounded piisoners and the captured Kussian ollicera are being treated by the highest among the Japanese as respected guests. The censorship is becom ng very se' vere. I am forbidden to transmit the names of divisions and units, or to re veal where our headquarters are estab lished. A painful incident of the Yalu battle was the robbery of the Rusisan dead and wounded. After the action man Chinese loamed the battlefield, stiip ping the Russians. The Japanese gen eral is greatly grieved, and is establish ing a system ot patrols to check repetition ot the occurrence and threat ens severe punishment. Emperor Reviews 50,000 Troops St. Petersburg, May 14. Emperor Nicholas, who was accompanied by th empress and several ot the grand dukes and a brilliant staff, reviewed 60,000 troops on the chsmps de Mars thi morning. A great concourse viewed the brilliant spectacle. As each regi ment marched past the emperor the soldiers shouted: "Good health, Your Majesty." The imperial party was ac corded a hearty reception by the peo ple. Beats on balconies overlooking the review grounds sold lor f 26. ihe money will go to the Red Cross. Panama Canal Position Olvea to John P. Wallace. Chicago, May 12 John F. Wallace, general manager of the Illinois Ceutral railroad, will be chief engineer of the Panama canal. After having the offer under advisement tor some time, he today wired Admiral Walker, chair man ot the commission, his acceptance. The position will pay (25,000 per year. Mr, Wallace will leave for Washing ton to enter upon his new duties early; next month. During the recent trip of the Pana ma canal commissioners to the Isthmus, one ot the' subjects ot discussion was the appointment of the chief engineer. It was agreed by everyono that the man selected must possess exceptional qualifications ; must be not only an gineer, but an administrator and ex ecutive; must have mature judgment and yet energy of accomplishment, and must be well and favorably known, as very great measure of the success ot the commission would depend upon the chief engineer. While the committee was at sea on the way to the isthmus, a letter was, ritten to Mr. Wallace asking him to meet the members In New York on their return and talk over the matter. Subsequently there was correspondence ith SttiyveHant rlali, president of the Illinois Central, who thus spoke of Mr. Wallace: "There is no professional engineer in my acquaintance who, I think, has, in a higher degree than Mr. Wallace, the special commercial and diplomatic tact which I conceive will lie required. He not only has commercial sense. uows the value of money, but also ha very rare capacity in dealing with men, whether they be aliove him, hi peers, or under him. It goes without saying that he is upright." Russians Overtaken at Mao Tlsng Line Pass and Defeated. K Tokio, May 12. Admiral Togo re ports that since the 0th of May many xplosions have been heaid coming from the vicinity of Port Arthur but their cause has net ln-en ascertained. The impression here is that the Rus. sians, despairing of their ability to de fend Port Arthur, are destroying their ships before leaving the place. Paris, May 12. The Matin's 8L. Petersburg correspondent says It is per sistently rumored that there has been big fight near Mao Tien Ling pass. between the Russians and General Kuroki's army. The Russians, ho says lost heavily. Lieutenant General Z.sualitch was among the killed. CHINESE WARN JAPANESE. They are Thus Able to Escape Ambus cade Arranged by Cosaacka. St. Petersburg, May 13. General Sakarohoff sent a dispatch to tho gen eial staff today communicating a report of Lieutenant General Zassalitch, dated May 10, as follows: "Troops which appeared to be a di vision of the Japanese guard have been advancing tor the last two diiys from Feng Wang Cheng westerly in the di rection of Haicheng. "It is reported that a Japanese force consisting ot about a division of in (antry intended to march on Saimadza with 40 guns and 1,500 cavalry. From reports received from the river Dasaw, it may be concluded that the Japanese army is concentrated in three groups, the two southern groups being on the lower section of the river Tavang at Hondouhanya, on the left bank ot the river at Dayan and at Don amyo, in the same locality, and the north ren group opposite Habalina on the road from Feng Wang Cheng to Salidza, 14 to 16 miles from Feng Wang Cheng. "It is difficult to obtain Information from the local Uhinese. in one case we discovered that the Chinese ha' warned Japanese troops of an ambus cade, which had been arranged by COS' sacks. Bored Through Train. Los Angeles, Cal., May 14. A train oji the Pacific Kelctric railroad, bound from Los Angeles to Whlttier, crashed into a Santa Fe passenger trsin from Han Diego at Los Nietos crossing, ten miles from this city, tonight. Four teen persons were injured, four on the Santa Fe train and ten on the electric car. The injured were all residents of Whlttier and Los Angeles. The lm pact of the electric trsin broke the San ta Fe train In two. Take Part of Russian Lean. New York. Msy 14. Part of the Russian loan Issued In Paris has been taken by New York banks, the Nstlonal City being among those participating. No publlo invitations to subscribe will be Issued. Admiralty Scouts the Ides. St. Petersburg. May 13. The idea that the Russian squadron at Port Arthur has leen destroyed to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy is scouted at the admiralty. "We are not going to repeat the mistake made at Ht-hastopol," said Vice Admiral Ro jestvensky. commander of the Baltic fleet. "It the worst comes to th worst, the squadron will put to sea, en gage the enemy and inflict as mue damage as possible before going to the bottom. But you can say that it is little early yet to talk of such despera tion." New Powder Great Success. Vancouver, B. C, May 13. Issa Tanlmiira, P. II. B LL. B., of Tokio Japan, trade commissioner to Canada arrived on the Lin press of Japan, and gives details ot the new explosive used by Japsn, referred to in an Associated Press dispatch from St. Petersburg He says it was Invented by a Japanese chemist, an is aparently a development ot lyddite, the basis being picric acid He declares it explodes under water and msy be used in all weapons. Caught In Ambush by Moros. Manila, May 13. Lieutenant Win field Harper and 39 men ot company of the Seventeenth United States in' fantry were caught on May 8 in an am bush by several hundred Moros, Two American officers and 16 men -were killed and Ave men were wounded The ambush occurred at Slmpatem, the east shore ot lake Llgusan. Island of Mindanao. RUMORS OP FlQttT. Another Japanese Victory. London, Msy 12. The Pally Chron icle's correspondent at Hhan Hal Kwan says Ihe Japanese first a-niy from the lalu rivor Is already threatening the Russian position at Haicheng. The second army, marching in three divls- ons In order to co-operate with General Kuroki, lias defeated the Russians near Wafungtien with great loss, tho correspondent says. He adds that the Japanese artillery was splendidly handled. The Daily Chronicle, notes that there are two Wafungtiens, one on the rail road north of Port Arthur, 20 m ilea- rom Pitsewo, and the other 40 mi lee west of Kaiping, on the road to Wang (Jheng. Feng CREDIT FOR VICTORY. Japanese on ths Yalu Did Not Take Feng Wang Cheng. Tokio, May 12. It appears that the cspture of Feng Wang Cheng was effected not by the troops which fought on the lain, but by a mixed brigade under Major General Sassakl, which. by marching eastward on April 20, ciossed the Yalu at Changseng and moved on Feng Wang Cheng by a mountain road. The sole objtct cf the Japanese for eign loan is to secure a gold currency system and to maintain the converti bility ot notes. The loan will not be used to finance the war. and therefore the entire proceeds will be kept as a. currency reserve, probably In London. Japan Buying Submarine Boats. Newport News, Va., May 12. From, reliable "source comes the information that a contract has been awarded the Newport News Shipbuilding company for the construction of four submarine boats destined for service with the Jap anese navy in the Far East. Shipyard' officials here refuse to confirm or deny the report, but It Is believed here that the ysrd has teen rushing wotk on warsliips contracted for in an Indirect way for the mikado's government for some time past. Protest te the Powers. St. Petersburg, Msy 12. Russia has protested to the powers, signatory ot The Hague and Geneva conventions, against the action of the Japanese in firing on the Red Cross trains from Port Arthur, May 6, when ot 200 sick and wounded, two were struck by the Japanese bullets. The general staff is authority for the statement that the health of the Russian troops Is excep tionally good, considering the filthy Chinese hovels along the line of march. Says Transports Were Sunk. Paris, May 12. According to the St. Petersburg correspondent ot the Matin, a high official of the naval general staff, declares that the entrance to Port Arthur Is still free, and that the squad ron went out on May S as far aa Pitse wo, where the torpedo boats sank a nnsober of Japanese transports.